Lit in Olympia, cradle of the Games, on April 16, the Olympic flame arrived this Wednesday, May 8 in Marseille. From Thursday morning, for the first day of the torch relay (its journey will extend over 69 days across France, in mainland France and overseas), a collective of athletes will set out in the Marseille city. Among them, a Belgian: Kim Gevaert!
As part of Europe Day, celebrated this May 9, our 2008 Olympic champion (4x100m) will indeed compete with other representatives from each of the EU countries (Jean Galfione for France, Anita Wlodarczyk for Poland or Ireen Wüst for the Netherlands are the best known names) a European relay whose captain will be the Ukrainian gymnast Maria Vysotchanska.
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”It’s a great honor for me”explained to us, just before going to Marseille, the former sprinter who today, at 45, serves as director of the Van Damme Memorial.
”Through the COIB, several names had been proposed to the Embassy, and I am very proud to have been chosen and to have the privilege of carrying the Olympic flame, one of the most beautiful symbols of the Games. This will be a great first for me!” enthuses the national record holder for the 100m and 200m.
Who had not yet become aware of all the details linked to their participation in this European relay.
”I understand that I will set off around 12:15 p.m., but for what distance? I do not know !” laughs the person concerned, who will have to be careful not to let herself be overcome by the stress of a highly publicized event. “Either way, it will definitely be a great experience.”concludes Kim Gevaert.
